samantha in the media

Eastern Transport Coalition wants State Government to include projects in State Budget
Leader Newspapers
by Laura Jolly
27 Dec 2013

David and Goliath take Melbourne (at 1:20 mins mark)
 Channel 31
by Georgia Georgadas
2 Jan 2014

Bushfire retreats listed
Mail Newspapers
by Kath Gannaway

Commuters urged to add voices
Mail Newspapers
by Rebecca Bills

 

Roots of play

Mail Newspapers

by Rebecca Bills

21 Jan 2014

 





public transport commitment needed in budget

Public transport commitment needed in Budget

 
The priority and funding allocated to public transport projects in the next state Budget will be the true indicator of the State Government’s commitment in this area, Eastern Transport Coalition chairperson, Cr Samantha Dunn said today.

Cr Dunn said there was a backlog of public transport projects across the eastern region, identified through studies, plans and audits over decades.

She said the ETC supported the Victorian Government’s plan for expanding and improving the rail network but wanted it delivered quicker.

“The million residents of the eastern suburbs can’t wait until 2028 for the generational improvements needed for rail. By that time it will be a generation since they were promised and that’s too long,” Cr Dunn said.

“The current debate about road versus rail ignores the real need of commuters and businesses alike – we need better transport infrastructure, not choices between modes.

“Residents in Melbourne’s east have had enough of public transport plans and studies that don’t produce results because they are unfunded or pushed so far into the future that they are continually relegated the bottom of the list by other plans and projects.”

As the next State Budget is prepared, the ETC has asked the government to include in its short term priorities: funding the Melbourne Metro project, funding for stage two of the Doncaster Rail Feasibility Study, an upgrade of bus services, an increased program of grade separations, a move towards high capacity signalling along the rail network and improved cycling opportunities.

The key medium-term public transport priority for the region is improved rail services, specifically building the Doncaster and Rowville Rail lines.

Cr Dunn said the government had identified the Monash and Dandenong South National Employment Clusters as critical drivers of economic growth in the eastern region.

However this potential will only be realised with the delivery of key transport projects, namely the Melbourne Metro and subsequent Rowville and Dandenong rail projects.

"Political parties on both sides have agreed that Melbourne Metro is critical to the delivery of future development around Melbourne. Now is the time to put those words into action and provide funding to start this project in the short term,’’ Cr Dunn said.

  Cr Dunn said the ETC acknowledged that the rail projects would take time to complete and for that reason, bus services in the region must be improved and expanded in the short term.

“Melbourne’s bus services have been the subject of numerous review and recommendations, including a Metropolitan Bus Service Review, completed in 2010. Unfortunately, less than 10 per cent of the recommendations from that review have been funded and realised,” she said.

“Funding needs to be provided to ensure that there are enough buses to meet demand and that travel times are improved to make it a viable option to car travel.”

Cr Dunn encouraged commuters to share their views and hopes for the coming State Budget via the ETC’s Commuters Count Facebook page or the hash tag #commuterscount on Twitter.

“As the State election draws closer, the ETC will be campaigning for better outcomes across all modes of public transport and for all commuters in the outer east,’’ Cr Dunn said.

“Now is the time for residents in Melbourne’s east to speak up and tell the government that they deserve more than they have been given in the past 40 years.”

disappointing state budget for public transport in the east

State Budget disappointing for Melbourne’s East

The Eastern Transport coalition said it was disappointing that public transport needs in the eastern suburbs have once again been largely ignored in this week’s State Budget.

Eastern Transport Coalition spokesperson Cr Samantha Dunn said many resident’s in Melbourne’s east had no access to rail services, suffered with overcrowded buses that did not offer a competitive alternative to car travel, inefficient network links and sub-standard transport infrastructure.

“We hoped that the government would maintain the momentum of the Rowville and Doncaster Rail projects by delivering funding for phase 2 of their feasibility studies. Regrettably, neither project has rated a mention despite positive outcomes in Stage 1 of each feasibility study,” Cr Dunn said.

Cr Dunn said it was also disappointing that the Melbourne Metro Rail Tunnel was allocated a relatively small sum in the Budget compared with the East West Road project, as its construction was the key to significant expansion of the Dandenong Rail line and the future integration of a Rowville rail line.

The government plans to spend $10 million in the next year “to progress detailed planning on Melbourne Metro” while $6 to $8 billion will be spend on Stage 1 of the East West Link.

Cr Dunn said the Metro Tunnel and signalling were the linchpin for the urgently needed expansion of the network, and it was concerning that it wasn’t made a priority.

Cr Dunn said $25 million for additional train services on the Dandenong rail line was a good start, however the Dandenong Rail Corridor also needed additional tracks and a signalling upgrade in order to provide reliable express services, efficient V/Line regional services and possible future freight services.

While $25 million was allocated for bus services, the eastern suburbs have been overlooked in favour of “key growth areas, leaving our residents to contend with overcrowded buses and excessively long journey times.

“The $66 million to upgrade the Ringwood station precinct announced before the Budget is a positive step, as are the grade separations to remove level crossings in Mitcham, Springvale, Blackburn and Bayswater,” Cr Dunn said.

“Level crossings create increasing delays on roads for cars, buses and trams, and limit the future expansion of the rail network. With so many trouble spots dotted throughout Melbourne’s east, the ETC hopes that the government will accelerate the program of grade separations in the future.”

short changing communities, vlga comments on state budget

State budget short-changes communities in challenging times

The Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA) believes the Victorian State Budget 2013 provides limited funding for local government to meet its current and future challenges, and lacks initiatives to assist capacity building for local government reform.

“While the tight revenue context means that all levels of government need to be cautious, it is our belief that in tough budgetary times, governments need to build the capacity of communities to work together and thrive in challenging times,” said VLGA President Cr. Samantha Dunn.

“Investment in community infrastructure and programs which underpin peoples’ ability to participate in the governance of their community and society should not be seen as an ‘added extra’.

“Rather, such investment is central to the business of State and local governments.

 

“Local government makes a significant contribution to our State’s economy and is fundamental to every Victorian community.

“The VLGA has argued for a comprehensive review of the Local Government Act and the local government sector in order to improve local government and further its contribution to the State.

“A comprehensive review of the local government sector would provide mechanisms to assist the enhancement of local government capacity to respond to financial challenges.

“While the review has not been delivered, we are pleased that the Budget still contains some measures aimed at improving local government including introducing legislation to address emerging issues surrounding councillor conduct and the governance system, and the implementation of the Local

Government Performance Reporting Framework,” said President Cr. Dunn.

“In light of the State’s consideration of significant changes to the way local libraries operate, we are disappointed that the Government has not committed extra funding for local libraries, and are concerned that the absence of new funding may undermine any potential benefits from the proposals under consideration.

“We are also disappointed that the Government has not committed long-term additional funding for planning.

“The Government has proposed fresh thinking for the future planning of Melbourne through the development of a new Metropolitan Planning Strategy (MPS) and the establishment of a Metropolitan Planning Authority. The MPS will require significantly improved governance, institutional arrangements, long-term infrastructure planning, public participation and defined funding mechanisms and additional funding is vital to ensuring the MPS is successful.

“Local governments are active and genuine in their attempts to contain costs. However, a range of impediments exist to cost containment for local governments, several of which are beyond their control - including continued cost shifting from the upper levels of government, stagnating or declining government grants and the significant infrastructure renewal gap.

“This trend has continued with grants and transfers to local governments expected to be $859.5 million in 2013-14, virtually no increase on the $858.8 million provided in 2012-13.

“While we recognise the Victorian Government is aspiring to generate confidence and investment in the State with the challenge of constrained revenue, we believe this agenda must be approached in partnership with local government.

“The VLGA believes that improved capacity building, funding support, cooperation and integration provide a cost-effective means to empower Victorian local governments.

“We are disappointed that the Victorian Government’s proposed budget has not provided local governments with the ability to meet challenges and support their communities.”

samantha in the press - state budget

Dark on pulling shire plug
Leader Newspapers
by Emily Webb
15 May 2012

samantha in the press - vlga

Wait for budget details
Mail Newspapers
by Casey Neill
9 May 2012

samantha in the press - vlga

State budget: Lights out on energy progam
Melbourne Times Weekly
8 May 2012

wins and losses for local governments and communities

2012/13 Victorian budget

Wins and losses for local governments and communities

VLGA President, Cr Samantha Dunn today welcomed some major initiatives in the 2012/13 State Budget including funds specifically for local government services, reflecting on some other areas of disappointment. 

Initiatives applauded by the VLGA specifically for local government are $12.7 million over four years in libraries funding – an extra $3.1 million per year; $7.8 million over three years for roadside weed control. 

There is also a significant allocation to support the Vulnerable People in Emergencies Program and the establishment of the Vulnerable Persons Register and funding for community fire refuges.

More than 5,500 additional households will receive concessions for municipal rates and charges, and there will be $62.7 million over the next four years for early childhood services including universal maternal and child health services, and an increase in home and community care funding.

“While the VLGA welcomes additional resources in these areas and organic and other waste funding initiatives announced before the Budget, we are very disappointed to see that the State Government has not identified any investment in the ‘Green Light Plan’ public lighting program in 2012-13 – an election commitment.  In fact the Budget papers identify the area as a ‘saving’.  We had hoped to see the State Government could provide some assurance around future directions in this area of importance for local governments, especially for metropolitan councils, and this is a very concerning omission.”

“Local governments have been facing a number of external pressures in having to pay levies and taxes such as the EPA Landfill Levy.  Local governments will also likely have to deal with extra costs of implementation of the Victorian Government’s Fire Services Levy in the next financial year.  Cost-shifting is still a major issue for local government and it is difficult for smaller councils to absorb increasing costs.”

In the Budget statement from the Minister for Planning, reference is made to “key reforms to slash red tape that cause delays and high costs” and Cr Dunn said the VLGA will be keen to understand what the proposed reforms are, and their effects on communities and local government planning responsibilities.

“We also note the allocation of $34 million for the Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission including start-up costs, and an additional $4 million over four years for the office of the Ombudsman, so we will be keen to see how this impacts the Local Government Investigations and Compliance Inspectorate.”

“We would like to have seen major public transport funding investments.  New resources for VLine trains to support regional cities and communities are positive however we were looking for metropolitan investment especially to support growth areas.”

The VLGA is also looking closely at changes in policy and funding in the housing sector and education, with regards the impact on local governments.  Cr Dunn said “our members will be watching these areas closely to ascertain the effects on their communities, and possible further cost-shifting to councils”.

Cr Dunn concluded "local governments are well placed to work cooperatively and in harmony with the State Government to help deliver many of their priorities - especially if we are resourced to do so. I strongly urge the Baillieu Government to continue involving local governments in the development of their programs and policies."

the state government failing us on public transport

The state budget is a kick in the teeth to commuters on the fringe of Melbourne. To read on visit
Samantha Dunn
for Eastern Victoria

weeds are taking over this state

This week's state budget is a kick in the teeth to all those volunteers who work tirelessly to improve our environment. To read on visit

Samantha Dunn
for Eastern Victoria